Nevis’ Premier Parry Speaks At Baptist Conference
Charlestown, Nevis
January 20,2009
On Monday this week, Premier Parry welcomed delegates from across the region to the 48th West Indies Baptist Fellowship Conference which is being held at the New Sanctuary of the Shiloh Baptist Church in Ramsbury, Nevis. The conference will run from January 19-23, 2009, under the theme, Running the Christian Race.
“It is indeed an honour for me to stand here tonight to greet and welcome all of you to Nevis,” said the Premier. “It is interesting that in the beginning of this year, 2009 we have two major church conferences here on Nevis; the Methodist Church and now the Baptist Church. This is an indication to me that Nevis is a good place to be,” he exclaimed.
In further expressing his pleasure at having the conferences staged on Nevis, the Premier said, “this is a great moment for all of us”¦it gives us hope and a renewed belief in the Christian faith.”
During his presentation, Premier Parry alluded to the United States Presidential inauguration: “The inauguration of President elect Barack Obama is a symbol that the chains are broken and we can no longer make excuses. It might be in the United States of America, but it is for every black person around the world, so that we can take our place and realize our great potential. The inauguration is that moment in time, where we can sit down and tell our children that they can be whatever they want to be regardless of race,” he stated.
While speaking on the island’s dilemma of misguided youth and crime, Premier Parry said that as a community, we need to take back our young people. He emphasized that this is an opportunity for the Church to reestablish itself in Nevis and around the Caribbean.
“Let us understand what it is to be black, Nevisian, Caribbean and Christian. Quite often we as parents and mentors forget to teach; we get so wrapped up in material things or in pursuing goals that are worldly, that we forget about being spiritual. We have a responsibility to reach out and let all people know that it is about all of us getting to heaven, not just a few!”
The delegates attending the conference represent the United States Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Euastatius, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Tortola, Trinidad, St. Kitts, Curacao, Jamaica and host country, Nevis.
